Hyper drive

Over the holidays, an old friend and former colleague sent me a news clipping with a report on the results of a major new study. And on the face of it this looks like good news for anyone coping with high blood pressure.

But guess what? Below the surface of this research, there are dangers that come along the good news. Although you would never know it by reading any of the articles that appeared in the medical press.

Old is new again

Twenty years ago, diuretic medications accounted for more than half of the prescriptions written to treat high blood pressure. Two decades later, however, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors dominate the market as the primary pharmaceuticals of choice for mainstream doctors treating hypertension. These two classes of medications combined currently gross around $10 billion a year. But this new study could change all of that dramatically.

Over a period of eight years, 42,000 volunteers, working with 623 hospitals, completed the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial – better known as ALLHAT. Last month, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) announced the researchers’ findings that diuretics work just as well to reduce high blood pressure as ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.

The ALLHAT results are significant, because diuretic drugs cost about 90% less than the more popular drugs that bumped them aside in the marketplace years ago. With health costs on the rise, this is a welcome development for an estimated 50 million Americans coping with hypertension. But before they jump treatments, they need to know that there’s much more to the diuretics issue than just an appealing economic angle.

After the savings – the downside

Diuretics reduce the body’s sodium and volume of water by increasing urinary output. This lowers blood volume, which brings down blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events. But what’s wrong with this picture?

With blinders firmly (and typically) in place, this mainstream medical solution to hypertension focuses on one specific problem, ignoring the effects on the rest of the body. Think about it: If you drain the body of fluid and sodium you set the stage for chronic dehydration and a host of other problems, including brain cell and nervous system dysfunction.

Here’s another example of how treating cardiovascular health with diuretics can backfire: When urinary excretion is increased, a greater amount of magnesium is eliminated from the body. But recent studies have shown that magnesium may be one of the most important minerals your body needs to help prevent heart disease.

When you borrow from Peter to pay Paul, sooner or later Peter comes looking for you.

Where to turn?

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not suggesting that ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are better for treating hypertension. Both of these drug classes come with their own lists of unpleasant side effects. Unfortunately, however, anyone with dangerously high blood pressure will probably need to resort to pharmaceuticals to achieve quick results. But if your blood pressure is only moderately high (not yet in the serious danger zone), there are a number simple dietary changes that may easily bring hypertension under control.

In an e-Alert I sent you in 2001 (“Lower Your Blood Pressure Without Side Effects” 8/23/01), I told you about studies that have shown that fresh garlic can lower blood pressure (as well as improve your heart health in a number of other ways). And fresh onions, like garlic, are also reputed to help thin blood and lower blood pressure. In one well-reported study from Germany a couple of years ago, researchers demonstrated that a combination of chopped onions and olive oil led to a significant decrease in blood pressure within just a few days.

Cutting back on salt is usually the first dietary change most people make when addressing hypertension. But according to alternative medicine pioneer Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., “This severe restriction is less a ‘universal recommendation’ than it once was. In fact, some researchers have found that severe sodium restriction actually increases the risk of premature death.” Dr. Wright recommends determining your own personal sensitivity to salt on a trial and error basis. He says that, more often than not, reducing salt intake will help reduce blood pressure, but it’s worth investigating before you make the long-term sacrifice.

If you do find that decreased sodium intake makes a difference, you might consider switching to sea salt. Used in moderation, Celtic Sea Salt has been shown to have no negative effects on blood pressure and actually provides the body with a number of helpful minerals, including magnesium.

One important note: If you’re currently taking an ACE inhibitor or a calcium channel blocker, consult your doctor before changing to a less expensive diuretic. But for anyone who has just found out that their blood pressure is on the high side, it’s good to know that there are some simple dietary changes that could eliminate the need for drugs.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute